Arranged Marriages in Africa – The Traditional Tinder
Richmond Setrana
Posted On April 25, 2023
You cannot deny that this era is the most comfortable in terms of quality of life and having a lot of new technology to make life simpler. However, in terms of social interaction and personal relationships, this era is having the worst experience.
We have so much tech and options to help find our soulmates but yet the majority of people fail to do so. From dating apps to speed dates, one can just fill out a form and get someone of their preference but yet still, things don’t work out.
In this article, Tales of Africa explores an old way of finding a life partner.
Many African tribes have long engaged in the practice of arranged marriages, which is still prevalent today in some nations like Ethiopia and Somalia. Even though arranged marriages are declining in frequency in countries like Nigeria and Ghana, they are still common in some households there.
History of Arranged Marriages in Africa
In pre-colonial Africa, arranged marriages were a common practice. It was regarded as a means of ensuring the continuity of the family line and customs over generations. Arranged weddings were viewed as a crucial strategy for fostering alliances and family ties. They were also viewed in some African societies as a means of shielding young women from unwanted attention.
Cultural Significance of Arranged Marriages in Africa
Arranged marriages are viewed as a way to uphold traditional values and rituals in many African societies. Many times, the parents or other family members arrange these unions, taking into account things like socioeconomic class, religion, and ethnicity, making it easier for couples to integrate into each other’s families and communities.
Arranged weddings are also viewed in several African communities as a means of giving the couple financial security. In such situations, the groom’s family may give the bride’s family a dowry, which might aid the couple in establishing a home and beginning a family.
Modern Practices of Arranged Marriages in Africa
Arranged marriages in Africa have evolved in recent years to suit shifting social standards. Many families now let their kids have a say in who they want to date, even if the practice is still prevalent in some places. Families that have relocated to urban areas, where traditional cultural traditions are less prevalent, are particularly affected by this.
Some people no longer believe that planned marriages are required because so many young Africans are now opting to wed for love. Arranged weddings are still the norm in some areas, though, and young people are expected to continue the tradition.
Positives of Arranged Marriages in Africa
Arranged marriages in Africa have long been a part of the continent’s cultural heritage, and they continue to play a significant role in many African communities today. While some may view arranged marriages as outdated or restrictive, they can also offer numerous benefits.
The importance placed on family and community involvement in arranged weddings is one of their most important benefits. Marriage in African cultures is seen as a union of two families, not only of two people. Families of the couple are frequently involved in arranging marriages; they collaborate to make sure the match is right and advantageous to both families.
To make sure that the marriage is supported and cherished by people close to the couple, this procedure frequently entails lengthy consultations with family members, friends, and community leaders.
Arranged marriages also place a strong premium on stability and long-term devotion that benefits both families, which is in contrast to many Western societies where marriage is frequently considered a romantic engagement that may end if the couple no longer feels in love. As such couples in arranged marriages feel more secure and supported as a result of receiving support from their families and communities as they deal with the ups and downs of marriage.
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